Dorchester County Public Schools -

Professional Development in the spotlight this week! High school teacher leaders meet twice a month during the instructional day for Cross Curricular Teaming (C.C.T.) with their content supervisor. During C.C.T. this week, the North Dorchester High School mathematics department, including the Special Education team, reviewed student work on an Algebra I MCAP public release item. Teachers reviewed these student products to affirm student thinking and guide their next steps with the instructional process. Did you know? All students in grades 3 through 8 and Algebra I will be participating in the MCAP Spring administration for mathematics. DCPS welcomes all those who will be impacted to begin accessing and practicing additional MCAP public release items on this website: https://itempra.org/public/ If you are looking for additional tools that provide content specific support with real time feedback, there are a plethora of resources unique to DCPS as well (i.e. iReady, IXL, Khan Academy, etc.)! Please reach out to your teacher for more information to get MCAP ready!

** RESCHEDULED - NEW MEETING DATES** Dear Parent/Guardian/Community Member, Dorchester County Public Schools (DCPS) has initiated a process to modernize its elementary schools, and we need your input in the first step—the Districtwide Elementary School Prototype Educational Specification. This document will identify what an ideal elementary school in Dorchester County should be: the types of instructional and support spaces it will contain, its educational philosophy, and its community features. It will be used to evaluate the older elementary schools in the system, leading to capital improvement projects that will support your children’s needs. You are invited to a listening session to learn about the process for developing the Districtwide Elementary School Prototype Educational Specification. The first session will be held on March 11, 2025, beginning at 6:00 PM, at North Dorchester High School in the auditorium, and the second session will be held on March 12, 2025, beginning at 6:00 PM, at Dorchester Career & Technology Center in the Multi-Purpose Room. At these sessions, you will have the opportunity to provide input on the elementary schools. You do not need to attend both sessions as they will both cover the same information. Additional opportunities will be available later this spring to provide comments as the draft educational specification document is developed. The Districtwide Elementary School Prototype Educational Specification is the first step in providing modernized facilities for the elementary school students of Dorchester County. Your concerns and observations are crucial to the success of this process. We look forward to seeing you at one or both sessions. Sincerely, Dr. Jymil Thompson Superintendent of Schools

NOTICE OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING DATE: Thursday, February 20, 2025 TIME: 5:00 p.m. PLACE: The Board Room Central Office of the Board of Education 700 Glasgow Street Cambridge, MD 21613 The Board of Education of Dorchester County will conduct an Open Session at the date, time, and location indicated above to address business as indicated on the agenda. After the start of the Open session, the Board will meet in Closed in accordance with Section 3-305 of the General Provisions of the Annotated Code of Maryland. At the conclusion of the Closed Session, the Board will reconvene at 6:00 p.m. in the Open Regular Session. The agenda and related documents can be accessed online via BoardDocs on the Dorchester County Public Schools website at www.dcps.k12.md.us. Anyone who would like to submit public comments electronically, to be included in the minutes, can email comments@dcpsmd.org by 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 19, 2025. All Board of Education Meetings will be livestreamed: https://townhallstreams.com/towns/dorchesterboe

The future of education is in great hands! We’ve changed things up a bit to acknowledge our teachers just entering the field of education that are within their first three (3) years of teaching. Congratulations to the dynamic finalists for DCPS’ Early Excellence Educator of the Year 2025 – 2026! These incredible educators have demonstrated outstanding dedication, passion, and impact in their classrooms, very early in their careers. Join us in celebrating their achievements and bright futures! Our DCPS Awards night will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025. DCPS Early Excellence Educator of the Year Finalists: - Cambridge-South Dorchester High School: Mr. Michael Tremper - Choptank Elementary School: Ms. Rebecca Sherman - Dorchester Career & Technology Center: Mr. James Moorhead - Hurlock Elementary School: Ms. Robin Dukes - Maces Lane Middle School: Ms. Kyla Diggs - Maple Elementary School: Ms. Madison Abbott - North Dorchester High School: Ms. Michaela Greenhawk - Sandy Hill Elementary School: Ms. Kaila Lindsay - South Dorchester School: Ms. Jessica Brown - Vienna Elementary School: Ms. Joy Bradshaw

Exciting news! Congratulations to the incredible finalists for DCPS’ Teacher of the Year 2025 – 2026! These outstanding educators go above and beyond to inspire, support, and shape the future of their students every day. Stay tuned as we celebrate their achievements and dedication to Education! Our DCPS Awards night will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025. DCPS Teacher of the Year Finalists: - Cambridge-South Dorchester High School: Ms. Casey O’Bier - Choptank Elementary School: Ms. Tanya Travis - Dorchester Career & Technology Center: Ms. Kastine Farmer - Hurlock Elementary School: Ms. Meredith Thompson - Maces Lane Middle School: Mr. Jeffrey Thompson - Maple Elementary School: Mr. Jon Harper - North Dorchester High School: Mr. Scott Baker - North Dorchester Middle School: Ms. Bunny Irby - Sandy Hill Elementary School: Ms. Holly Spicer - South Dorchester School: Ms. Jessica Hall - Vienna Elementary School: Ms. Jo Ann Dechert - Warwick Elementary School: Ms. Andrea Outten

Will you invest in DCPS? We are looking for businesses to invest in the future workforce by participating in the Maryland Youth Apprenticeship Program, hosting a student intern, speaking to students about careers in your field, hosting students for job shadowing or workplace tours, and mentoring students! Visit https://forms.gle/Yi26sbGjEK63HkHd9 or reach out to a Career Coach to learn more about partnering!

Good evening! Due to the uncertainty of weather conditions overnight, DCPS will operate as a virtual learning day tomorrow, February 12th. Schools and office buildings are closed; all staff are expected to telework, if possible. Please contact your direct supervisor for further guidance. Stay safe.

Immigration Safety Guidelines DCPS is dedicated to fostering safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for all students and staff. Our priority is to focus on the education and well-being of all students. DCPS does not ask about or disclose immigration status. We are committed to protecting the privacy of all students and their families, as required by federal & state law. As a public school system, we are bound by laws that require us to provide equal access to education for all children, regardless of status. Our commitment to this is unwavering. Our school district follows all local, state, and federal laws. We will follow the same rules that we follow in other police investigations outlined in COMAR 13A.08.01.12(arrests on school premises), 13A.08.13 (questioning on school premises), and 13A.08.01.14D(searches by police) Parents/Guardians, please check your email for more information including helpful resources.

The Educational Specification Development Process Meetings (Elementary School Prototype Meetings) scheduled for February 11th and February 12th are postponed due to the impending weather. The meetings will be re-scheduled for a later date.

Good morning! Due to the forecasted weather conditions tomorrow afternoon, DCPS schools will operate on a half day schedule. Staff may leave after students are dismissed. All PM activities will be cancelled tomorrow, Tuesday, February 11th. Stay safe.

Dear Parent/Guardian/Community Member, Dorchester County Public Schools (DCPS) has initiated a process to modernize its elementary schools, and we need your input in the first step—the Districtwide Elementary School Prototype Educational Specification. This document will identify what an ideal elementary school in Dorchester County should be: the types of instructional and support spaces it will contain, its educational philosophy, and its community features. It will be used to evaluate the older elementary schools in the system, leading to capital improvement projects that will support your children’s needs. You are invited to a listening session to learn about the process for developing the Districtwide Elementary School Prototype Educational Specification. The first session will be held on February 11, 2025, beginning at 6:00 PM, at Cambridge-South Dorchester High School in the auditorium, and the second session will be held on February 12, 2025, beginning at 6:00 PM, at North Dorchester High School in the auditorium. At these sessions, you will have the opportunity to provide input on the elementary schools. You do not need to attend both sessions as they will both cover the same information. Additional opportunities will be available later this spring to provide comments as the draft educational specification document is developed. The Districtwide Elementary School Prototype Educational Specification is the first step in providing modernized facilities for the elementary school students of Dorchester County. Your concerns and observations are crucial to the success of this process. We look forward to seeing you at one or both sessions. Sincerely, Dr. Jymil Thompson Superintendent of Schools

On Saturday January 18th, Middle School and High School musicians from across the Eastern Shore met at James M. Bennett Middle School to audition to be part of the Junior (Middle School) or Senior (High School) All-Shore Honors Band hosted by the Eastern Shore Band Directors Association. The top students of each instrument who auditioned were chosen to be part of this distinguished group of musicians to deepen their musical skills and knowledge. DCPS is proud to announce that six of our own musicians were selected and will participate in a concert that will display their achievements on April 5th at Wicomico High School. We would like to congratulate Senior Hailey Stivers (NDHS Tenor Saxophone), 7th Grader Joice-Anne (MLMS Clarinet), 8th Grader Madison Windsor (NDMS Timpani), 8th Grader Andrew Bayliss (NDMS Tuba), 7th Grader Char'lae Cephas (NDMS Bass Clarinet), and 7th Grader Lydia Shufelt (NDMS Clarinet).

Calling all SENIORS of the Class of 2025 to join the Office of Student Services for our annual Scholarship Fair on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, from 5:30 - 7 p.m. at the Dorchester Career & Technology Center (DCTC). This event is open to all DCPS students and families but is especially for all graduating students (juniors & seniors). Come out and meet representatives from local scholarship committees to learn more about their scholarship opportunities. The following organizations are confirmed: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. - Kappa Theta Omega Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. - Delta Omicron Lambda Chapter Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. - Cambridge Alumnae Chapter Dorchester Chamber of Commerce Dorchester General Hospital Auxiliary Dorchester General Hospital Foundation Edythe M. Jolley Memorial Scholarship - Maces Lane Alumni Heart for Music Foundation Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) Mid-Shore Community Foundation Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. - Iota Chi Zeta Chapter If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. LaSina Branch at BranchL@DCPSMD.ORG in the Office of Student Services

NOTICE OF BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: Thursday, January 23, 2025 TIME: 4:15 p.m. PLACE: Superintendent’s Conference Room Central Office of the Board of Education 700 Glasgow Street Cambridge, MD 21613 The Board of Education of Dorchester County Policy Committee will hold a Policy Review Meeting on the date, time, and location indicated above.

NOTICE OF MEETING Board of Education Budget Work Session with Public Comments on the Budget DATE: Thursday, January 23, 2025 TIME: 5:00 p.m. PLACE: The Board Room Central Office of the Board of Education 700 Glasgow Street Cambridge, MD 21613 The Board of Education of Dorchester County will conduct a Budget Work Session with Comments from the Public at the date, time and location indicated above to address business as indicated on the agenda. The agenda and related documents can be accessed online via BoardDocs on the Dorchester County Public Schools website at www.dcps.k12.md.us. Anyone who would like to submit public comments electronically, to be included in the minutes, can email comments@dcpsmd.org by 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 22 2025. All Board of Education Meetings will be livestreamed: https://townhallstreams.com/towns/dorchesterboe

Good Afternoon Families, This weekend is a 3-day weekend. Schools will be closed on Monday, January 20th, in observance of Martin Luther King Day. We are closely monitoring the weather forecast, which indicates a possibility of snow on Sunday and very cold temperatures on Monday and Tuesday. We are unsure if this will cause a school closure next week. To prepare, we are sending home devices and chargers with students today in case we have to provide virtual learning next week. Remember, we have used all our inclement weather days and are doing our best to not extend the school year further into June. If there is no significant snow event, students should bring their devices and chargers back to school on Tuesday. Please ensure the devices are safely stored over the weekend. If there are any connectivity issues, students will have the opportunity to make up the work, and it will not count against them. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

January 15, 2025 Dear Parent/Guardian/Community Member, Dorchester County Public Schools (DCPS) has initiated a process to modernize its elementary schools, and we need your input in the first step—the Districtwide Elementary School Prototype Educational Specification. This document will identify what an ideal elementary school in Dorchester County should be: the types of instructional and support spaces it will contain, its educational philosophy, and its community features. It will be used to evaluate the older elementary schools in the system, leading to capital improvement projects that will support your children’s needs. You are invited to a listening session to learn about the process for developing the Districtwide Elementary School Prototype Educational Specification. The first session will be held on February 11, 2025, beginning at 6:00 PM, at Cambridge-South Dorchester High School in the auditorium, and the second session will be held on February 12, 2025, beginning at 6:00 PM, at North Dorchester High School in the auditorium. At these sessions, you will have the opportunity to provide input on the elementary schools. You do not need to attend both sessions as they will both cover the same information. Additional opportunities will be available later this spring to provide comments as the draft educational specification document is developed. The Districtwide Elementary School Prototype Educational Specification is the first step in providing modernized facilities for the elementary school students of Dorchester County. Your concerns and observations are crucial to the success of this process. We look forward to seeing you at one or both sessions. Sincerely, Dr. Jymil Thompson Superintendent of Schools

🎉 Join Us for the Dorchester Career and Technology Center Open House! 🎉 📅 Date: February 5 🕓 Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 📍 Location: Dorchester Career and Technology Center Are you a student or a parent curious about the exciting programs we offer? Our open house is the perfect opportunity to explore the variety of career and technology pathways available. Meet our dedicated instructors, speak to current students, and get answers to all your questions! Don’t miss this chance to discover how the Dorchester Career and Technology Center can help shape your future!

Good afternoon! Dorchester County Public schools will open on a two-hour delay Monday, January 13th.  Parents, please make sure that your child returns their charged laptop tomorrow.

NOTICE OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING DATE: Thursday, January 16, 2024 TIME: 5:00 p.m. PLACE: Dorchester Career and Technology Center 2465 Cambridge Bypass Cambridge, MD 21613 The Board of Education of Dorchester County will conduct an Open Session at the date, time, and location indicated above to address business as indicated on the agenda. After the start of the Open session, the Board will meet in Closed Session in accordance with Section 3-305 of the General Provisions of the Annotated Code of Maryland to discuss personnel, update on legal issues, school security update, and coaching training. At the conclusion of the Closed Session, the Board will reconvene at 6:00 p.m. in the Open Regular Session. The agenda and related documents can be accessed online via BoardDocs on the Dorchester County Public Schools website at www.dcps.k12.md.us. Anyone who would like to submit public comments electronically, to be included in the minutes, can email comments@dcpsmd.org by 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2025. All Board of Education Meetings will be livestreamed: https://townhallstreams.com/towns/dorchesterboe